I think that's a total cop out, but hey, ignoring what I said and deflecting seems to be what you were aiming at. I'm not the only one that rebutted your comments regarding Fed and Stan.

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Let's put it this way. Do you see Federer and Wawrinka hanging out together just the two of them, going to a ball game or having a drink? Because i don't.

Like i said before, at the Olympics they are countrymen playing for their country and yes it was a nice gesture of Fed to let Wawrinka carry the flag, but to me it doesn't necessarily equate to them being friends, merely countrymen.

Again there is no right or wrong answer here. You can continue to believe whatever you wanna believe and i'll go on my merry ways.

It was a few things. Sampras went into the 1997 US Open as the overwhelming favourite, but lost to Korda in the Round of 16. After Rafter won the 1997 US Open, many saw him as some lucky "one slam wonder", particularly John McEnroe, and Sampras produced a brilliant performance to beat Rafter in Davis Cup soon after. Sampras was clearly annoyed not to have won that 1997 US Open, having been in such good form beforehand, but admitted that Korda had played a brilliant match on the day.

Fast forward to the North American summer of 1998 when Rafter and Sampras meet in the 1998 Cincinnati final, and Rafter wins 1-6, 7-6, 6-4, and there's a controversial call right at the end of the match. Sampras was very annoyed and let his feelings known. Sampras later made his "10 Grand Slams" comment to describe the difference between himself and Rafter. Rafter accused Sampras of showing a lack of respect, and said something to the affect of "that's why I try to p*ss him off as much as I can".

They then met in the 1998 US Open semi finals, a big match. Sampras was leading 2 sets to 1 but Rafter doing well in the fourth set, when Sampras got injured, and Rafter won in 5 sets, and went on to win his second US Open title. Sampras was rumoured to have said soon afterwards "Seeing Rafter with the US Open trophy makes me feel sick".

Fast forward to 1999, and both Sampras and Rafter say that they have patched up their differences, and the former hostile air between them had gone. They seem to have gotten on ever since. I remember the rivalry because Sampras had never been so openly rattled by a tennis rival like he was by Rafter during that North American summer of 1998. Guys like Agassi, Becker and Ivanisevic never rattled him that much.

Let's put it this way. Do you see Federer and Wawrinka hanging out together just the two of them, going to a ball game or having a drink? Because i don't.

Like i said before, at the Olympics they are countrymen playing for their country and yes it was a nice gesture of Fed to let Wawrinka carry the flag, but to me it doesn't necessarily equate to them being friends, merely countrymen.

Again there is no right or wrong answer here. You can continue to believe whatever you wanna believe and i'll go on my merry ways.

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Geeze, "a nice gesture".... Can you even hear how you sound.... And of course, you're changing the topic again.... Cause it's all about having a simple beer versus, a HUGE AZZ item that is once in a life time.... Apparently, once in a life time is zippo versus having a beer.

Deliciano and Murray are friends, the glue holding them together is this women.

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That was so hysterical when Murray was so embarrassed by his mum! Who couldn't commiserate with him! Then he had to deal with mum getting drunk with Sean Connery and embarrassing him! Murray is a good sport!

These kinds of threads always get hung up on the definition of "friends" - does that mean two people who get along when they happen to meet, or does it imply seeking out each other's company?

Fed and Roddick always had a friendly locker-room relationship for example, but never socialized together. Meanwhile, Fed and Haas are genuinely friends; there are a gazillion paparazzi pics of them out socializing together with their wives etc.

Different animal.

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Fed and Henman. I think Roger also liked Safin very much. I think Roger didn't like Hewitt much early on because he appeared too in-your-face but later realised he doesn't mean it like that. Fed and Delpo are again pretty close. I think Roger saw him as a potential #1 for a very long time. Sadly for his injuries........... :sad:

Geeze, "a nice gesture".... Can you even hear how you sound.... And of course, you're changing the topic again.... Cause it's all about having a simple beer versus, a HUGE AZZ item that is once in a life time.... Apparently, once in a life time is zippo versus having a beer.

I don't think there are many close friendships at the top 100 level (close meaning you would invite the guy to your wedding), the competition dynamics are probably too hard on personal relationships, even if they share a love for the sport, similar lifestyles and see each other very often.

Maybe Roddick and Fish.

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Well, I think Fish and Blake went to Roddick's wedding, maybe the Bryans.

I know Chudinelli went to Federers' (though that was during the week between Miami & MC).

Geeze, "a nice gesture".... Can you even hear how you sound.... And of course, you're changing the topic again.... Cause it's all about having a simple beer versus, a HUGE AZZ item that is once in a life time.... Apparently, once in a life time is zippo versus having a beer.

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Federer had a match the next day and didn't want to be standing around the Olympic Stadium for six or seven hours. That's why he let Stan carry the flag. Besides Fed had already done it twice. Yes, it was lovely that Stan had the chance but it wasn't because Fed was being magnanimous.

Federer had a match the next day and didn't want to be standing around the Olympic Stadium for six or seven hours. That's why he let Stan carry the flag. Besides Fed had already done it twice. Yes, it was lovely that Stan had the chance but it wasn't because Fed was being magnanimous..

Well, I think Fish and Blake went to Roddick's wedding, maybe the Bryans.

I know Chudinelli went to Federers' (though that was during the week between Miami & MC).

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aside from Odesnik, pretty much every American in the top 200 gets along. The older guard -Roddick, Blake, Fish, Russell, and the Bryans are especially tight. Querrey & Isner are BFFs. Kevin Anderson, having went to college here and marrying an American, has kind of become an honorary member as you've seen him play a lot of doubles with Isner & Querrey over the last year or so. Tommy Haas a bit too as he's out in Cali with Fish, Querrey, and the Bryans...and Gimelstob I suppose. Mark Knowles seemed tight with the older American guys...especially Roddick, although everyone on tour seemed to get along well with Knowles. Aussie Matthew Ebden seems tight with Ryan Harrison. They've played a lot of doubles together over the last year+. Basically I think the Americans, Canadians, Aussies, and nearby guys from the islands like Knowles tend to migrate to one another. Probably as the result of their lack of desire to listen to the Euros and So. Americans rambling on about soccer all day long.

It was a few things. Sampras went into the 1997 US Open as the overwhelming favourite, but lost to Korda in the Round of 16. After Rafter won the 1997 US Open, many saw him as some lucky "one slam wonder", particularly John McEnroe, and Sampras produced a brilliant performance to beat Rafter in Davis Cup soon after. Sampras was clearly annoyed not to have won that 1997 US Open, having been in such good form beforehand, but admitted that Korda had played a brilliant match on the day.

Fast forward to the North American summer of 1998 when Rafter and Sampras meet in the 1998 Cincinnati final, and Rafter wins 1-6, 7-6, 6-4, and there's a controversial call right at the end of the match. Sampras was very annoyed and let his feelings known. Sampras later made his "10 Grand Slams" comment to describe the difference between himself and Rafter. Rafter accused Sampras of showing a lack of respect, and said something to the affect of "that's why I try to p*ss him off as much as I can".
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In the Marcelo Rios book there's a story about how Tood Woodbridge said he used to go up to Rios and force him to talk, as Rios was always non social. Woody said he'd go up in his face in the locker room, all friendly and say Hi mate how are you doing? To force Rios to do what he didn't want to do. Make Rios talk. Woody said he learned that trick from Rafter who used to do it to Sampras as Sampras was known for not conversing much with other players. Karel Novacek said Sampras once played 18 holes of golf with three other ATP players and "never said one word to anyone the entire 18 holes." So yeah, the Rafter-Sampras fued was pretty hot there for a while ) Rafter was definitely in his head and had Pistol Pete flustered.

Federer had a match the next day and didn't want to be standing around the Olympic Stadium for six or seven hours. That's why he let Stan carry the flag. Besides Fed had already done it twice. Yes, it was lovely that Stan had the chance but it wasn't because Fed was being magnanimous.

Judy Murray didn't come up with the name Deliciano, although she certainly made it more well known and popular! Feli has had that name for a long time (and deservedly so).

This can't be stated with any certainty. It doesn't matter to me whether Federer would have been magnanimous or not under different conditions so I'm not flagging these posts up because I wish to believe he was. I'm flagging it up because people are stating with absolute certainly that it wasn't generosity where as the fact is nobody knows other than maybe Fed. It seems obnoxious to outright presume that it definitely wasn't Fed being magnanimous just as it would be silly (though slightly more arguable as he did give up the right for whatever reason) to assume that it definitely was Fed being magnanimous.

There have been several players who have said that Fed stays with his own team and doesnt interact with a lot of players. (once again, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Maybe that's his personality and that's fine by me) I am sure Janowicz was also one who said that.
I seriously dont know where you got the info about Tsonga and Haas being good friends with Fed. Yes Fed seems to like them but I dont know if he hangs out with them outside the court.

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Funny, I read quite the opposite. I remember reading that Fed used to be the one making jokes in the locker room while Nadal was the one not talking to anyone, keeping his distance from all players pretty much.

This can't be stated with any certainty. It doesn't matter to me whether Federer would have been magnanimous or not under different conditions so I'm not flagging these posts up because I wish to believe he was. I'm flagging it up because people are stating with absolute certainly that it wasn't generosity where as the fact is nobody knows other than maybe Fed. It seems obnoxious to outright presume that it definitely wasn't Fed being magnanimous just as it would be silly (though slightly more arguable as he did give up the right for whatever reason) to assume that it definitely was Fed being magnanimous.

End rant.

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Everything i say on this forum is my opinion, i certainly don't go around sprouting my beliefs like it's the scripture.

But in this case, generous or not, if Fed had never had the opportunity to carry the Olympic flag prior to London, do you honestly think he would have given up that right to anyone else. I certainly don't.

Everything i say on this forum is my opinion, i certainly don't go around sprouting my beliefs like it's the scripture.

But in this case, generous or not, if Fed had never had the opportunity to carry the Olympic flag prior to London, do you honestly think he would have given up that right to anyone else. I certainly don't.

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You are changing the argument again. I googled this after my last post and it indicated that Fed refused and was thrilled Stan carried the flag. Do you honestly believe that folks believe you over Federer?

Everything i say on this forum is my opinion, i certainly don't go around sprouting my beliefs like it's the scripture.

But in this case, generous or not, if Fed had never had the opportunity to carry the Olympic flag prior to London, do you honestly think he would have given up that right to anyone else. I certainly don't.

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Neither do I, except that this wasn't the context. This sudden invented scenario has absolutely nothing to do with the issue I flagged up or the actual event.

You are changing the argument again. I googled this after my last post and it indicated that Fed refused and was thrilled Stan carried the flag. Do you honestly believe that folks believe you over Federer?

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LISTEN YOU DIMWIT.

How many times have i said this is my OPINION. Do you even know the definition of what an OPINION is?
For crying out loud why are yo so HELL-BENT on proving me wrong, which can't be proven in any case, seeing as it's an OPINION.
It's like all of a sudden, you've latched onto a post of mine and now has a personal vendetta against me.

Just do everyone a favor and DON'T check out of your mental institution. What an absolute waster of space you are.

aside from Odesnik, pretty much every American in the top 200 gets along. The older guard -Roddick, Blake, Fish, Russell, and the Bryans are especially tight. Querrey & Isner are BFFs. Kevin Anderson, having went to college here and marrying an American, has kind of become an honorary member as you've seen him play a lot of doubles with Isner & Querrey over the last year or so. Tommy Haas a bit too as he's out in Cali with Fish, Querrey, and the Bryans...and Gimelstob I suppose. Mark Knowles seemed tight with the older American guys...especially Roddick, although everyone on tour seemed to get along well with Knowles. Aussie Matthew Ebden seems tight with Ryan Harrison. They've played a lot of doubles together over the last year+. Basically I think the Americans, Canadians, Aussies, and nearby guys from the islands like Knowles tend to migrate to one another. Probably as the result of their lack of desire to listen to the Euros and So. Americans rambling on about soccer all day long.

How many times have i said this is my OPINION. Do you even know the definition of what an OPINION is?
For crying out loud why are yo so HELL-BENT on proving me wrong, which can't be proven in any case, seeing as it's an OPINION.It's like all of a sudden, you've latched onto a post of mine and now has a personal vendetta against me.

Just do everyone a favor and DON'T check out of your mental institution. What an absolute waster of space you are.

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I know how you feel because I've been a target for Bullfan for a while now. Ignore is one more attack away for me when it comes to him; I've had it.

To state with certainty that the act was not magnanimous at the 2012 Olympic Games as though Federer certainly only gave it up for Stan because he had a match to get ready for the next morning/afternoon whatever. Whether it's true or not is not something I care about, I just found the assertion to be odd.

You then proceeded to ask what if Federer had never had the chance before, then I agree the clamour would be too great and Fed would want his hand on that flag (we still don't know) but this made me pull even weirder faces because it was irrelevant to the point, which was that in that instance we don't know if Fed would have still gladly given up the honour if his match was say, 2 days away instead of one day. He might not have, he might have, but the manner in which Vernon outright states 'it was not magnanimous' was perturbing from a logical standpoint. So I flagged it up. These things are usually not black and white, and as I said, I felt the need to comment on this not because it's important to me whether or not it is magnanimous, I am simply a logic wh0re.

How many times have i said this is my OPINION. Do you even know the definition of what an OPINION is?
For crying out loud why are yo so HELL-BENT on proving me wrong, which can't be proven in any case, seeing as it's an OPINION.
It's like all of a sudden, you've latched onto a post of mine and now has a personal vendetta against me.

Just do everyone a favor and DON'T check out of your mental institution. What an absolute waster of space you are.

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Awe...... Are someone's whittle feelings hurt because they got called out apparently, it's ok to be a bully, but not ok to refute one. If your whittle feelings can't handle folks, and not just me saying you are wrong, then you shouldn't post on a forum where dissenting opinions are permitted.

Awe...... Are someone's whittle feelings hurt because they got called out apparently, it's ok to be a bully, but not ok to refute one. If your whittle feelings can't handle folks, and not just me saying you are wrong, then you shouldn't post on a forum where dissenting opinions are permitted.

To state with certainty that the act was not magnanimous at the 2012 Olympic Games as though Federer certainly only gave it up for Stan because he had a match to get ready for the next morning/afternoon whatever. Whether it's true or not is not something I care about, I just found the assertion to be odd.

You then proceeded to ask what if Federer had never had the chance before, then I agree the clamour would be too great and Fed would want his hand on that flag (we still don't know) but this made me pull even weirder faces because it was irrelevant to the point, which was that in that instance we don't know if Fed would have still gladly given up the honour if his match was say, 2 days away instead of one day. He might not have, he might have, but the manner in which Vernon outright states 'it was not magnanimous' was perturbing from a logical standpoint. So I flagged it up. These things are usually not black and white, and as I said, I felt the need to comment on this not because it's important to me whether or not it is magnanimous, I am simply a logic wh0re.

I hope my answer satisfies.

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It's hard to say, I found a CNN post after most of posts regarding this issue, it had zero to do with Fed's schedule, but rather his opinion that he shouldn't carry the flag and suggested Stan. Does this mean it was purely altruistic, no, but at that time, as well as now, I took Fed at his word. I am on an iPad where I'm not as familiar with copying links... Hope this works...

It's hard to say, I found a CNN post after most of posts regarding this issue, it had zero to do with Fed's schedule, but rather his opinion that he shouldn't carry the flag and suggested Stan. Does this mean it was purely altruistic, no, but at that time, as well as now, I took Fed at his word. I am on an iPad where I'm not as familiar with copying links... Hope this works...

Interesting to know, so it might not have even had anything to do with Fed's schedule anyway. His levels of altruism are not a concern to me but given what is told and written it's pretty funny when someone has a personal vendetta to believe something else entirely and state it as an irrefutable fact. That's what annoyed me about it really, the intent. It's about the only thing that I find annoying in life.

Really..... I would think the person that can't defend the accusations is the one with the issue.

Why do you think Fed shares his physio with Stan during non Olympic years? Fed has no reason to do that. I guess you also disregard the poster that said Fed called and checked in on Stan as lying?

Get over yourself. You have had more than one person call you out regarding Fed and Stan. Shoot, I'm not even a Fed fan and Im calling out your crap.

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All i've said from the beginning is that it's my opinion that Fed and Wawrinka aren't friends, in the true sense of the word.
I've already said that i agreed to disagree with you, but for some reason you feel the need to prove with absolute certainty that this is false. Well, i'm a grown man and i can make a judgement call with my own eyes, and they tell me otherwise.
What more is there to say?

All i've said from the beginning is that it's my opinion that Fed and Wawrinka aren't friends, in the true sense of the word.
I've already said that i agreed to disagree with you, but for some reason you feel the need to prove with absolute certainty that this is false. Well, i'm a grown man and i can make a judgement call with my own eyes, and they tell me otherwise.
What more is there to say?

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Basically that you've insulted Fed and Wawrinka when you shouldn't have in your post.

All i've said from the beginning is that it's my opinion that Fed and Wawrinka aren't friends, in the true sense of the word.
I've already said that i agreed to disagree with you, but for some reason you feel the need to prove with absolute certainty that this is false. Well, i'm a grown man and i can make a judgement call with my own eyes, and they tell me otherwise.
What more is there to say?

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it's been pointed out various times during broadcasts where they've played one another that Fed has given Stan a lift on his jet to tourneys or back home. We know Fed travels with a good deal of his family and presumably a couple members of his team...Luthi and physio/trainer(s) perhaps. I have a difficult time believing that Fed would offer a ride to him if they weren't at least decent friends. Would Fed pass up teaming up for doubles with Stan if Chiudinelli was at least Stan's equal or in the Olympics if Haas was Swiss? Probably...but who cares.

it's been pointed out various times during broadcasts where they've played one another that Fed has given Stan a lift on his jet to tourneys or back home. We know Fed travels with a good deal of his family and presumably a couple members of his team...Luthi and physio/trainer(s) perhaps. I have a difficult time believing that Fed would offer a ride to him if they weren't at least decent friends. Would Fed pass up teaming up for doubles with Stan if Chiudinelli was at least Stan's equal or in the Olympics if Haas was Swiss? Probably...but who cares.

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Exactly!

I was just making a passing comment / observation and yet some psycho (bullfan) seem to take that as a personal insult.

Interesting to know, so it might not have even had anything to do with Fed's schedule anyway. His levels of altruism are not a concern to me but given what is told and written it's pretty funny when someone has a personal vendetta to believe something else entirely and state it as an irrefutable fact. That's what annoyed me about it really, the intent. It's about the only thing that I find annoying in life.

The link works, yes.

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I think Roger didn't want to go to the opening ceremony because of the traffic in London and he now has two little ones at home in case anyone hasn't noticed. It's a long road from Wimbledon maybe and that's why he took the call. Honestly, I'd be annoyed if Roger showed that sort of altruism because it looks like you're throwing a bone to somebody.

Personally, I think he likes Stan but I don't know how much Stan likes him because the guy keeps taking periodic potshots at him especially regarding Davis Cup or more recently the Basel fiasco.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm not sure that Djokovic or Murray are good friends with Federer. I remember some years ago, Federer lost to Murray in Dubai and he said that the Scottish was just a pusher, that he would never become a top player if he kept playing like that. And during the Masters Cup, Murray tried his best to eliminate Roger in the RR even though he (Murray) was already qualified. Now their relationship have probably changed, I don't know, but they haven't always been great friends.

Djokovic doesn't look close to Federer either. His body language when he plays against him talks by itself. He was asked about that, he said he was closer to Rafa and Murray because they were of the same generation.

Berdych is not a great fan of Federer either. In 2010 at least. When he beat Federer in Wimbledon that year, he said that the swissman was looking for excuses because he lost even though some months earlier when Fed beat him, the swissman said that he won easily. For that reason he refused to vote Fed for the sportsmanship award that year.

Berdych loves Rafa judging by the "fanboy" tweets he did after his RG victory.
Rafa and Soderling don't like each other since the imitation episode in Wimbledon.
Rafa and Rosol don't like each other either.
Murray said Rafa is his favourite player.
Serena loves him too.
Tsonga and Rafa don't like each other afaik.
Gulbis and Rafa don't like each other.
Monfils loves Rafa.
Gasquet and Rafa are very good friends since they're kids.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I'm not sure that Djokovic or Murray are good friends with Federer. I remember some years ago, Federer lost to Murray in Dubai and he said that the Scottish was just a pusher, that he would never become a top player if he kept playing like that. And during the Masters Cup, Murray tried his best to eliminate Roger in the RR even though he (Murray) was already qualified. Now their relationship have probably changed, I don't know, but they haven't always been great friends.

Djokovic doesn't look close to Federer either. His body language when he plays against him talks by itself. He was asked about that, he said he was closer to Rafa and Murray because they were of the same generation.

Berdych is not a great fan of Federer either. In 2010 at least. When he beat Federer in Wimbledon that year, he said that the swissman was looking for excuses because he lost even though some months earlier when Fed beat him, the swissman said that he won easily. For that reason he refused to vote Fed for the sportsmanship award that year.

Berdych loves Rafa judging by the "fanboy" tweets he did after his RG victory.
Rafa and Soderling don't like each other since the imitation episode in Wimbledon.
Rafa and Rosol don't like each other either.
Murray said Rafa is his favourite player.
Serena loves him too.
Tsonga and Rafa don't like each other afaik.
Gulbis and Rafa don't like each other.
Monfils loves Rafa.
Gasquet and Rafa are very good friends since they're kids.